I set the glass down when they put me on hold

I set the glass down when they put me on hold.

Three cubes in it. Something to hold.

The music loops every four bars.

I explained what I needed to the first rep.

Got transferred.

Explained it again.

Got transferred again.

Third rep said call back in the morning.

I said of course.

I said I understand.

By the time I hung up, the ice was gone—

a ring of water on the laminate,

already working at the edge.

I grabbed a towel before it could warp.

The practical move. Ten seconds.

The number I'd rehearsed—

the right framing, the version that sounds like less—

still in my mouth somewhere, unused.

The counter dried.

The counter looked fine.